2009 could be the year of cheap vacations
2009 could be the year of cheap vacations Save Email Print
South Bend, IN
Posted: 6:26 PM Jan 2, 2009
Last Updated: 6:44 PM Jan 2, 2009
Reporter: Nick McGurk
Email Address: nick.mcgurk@wndu.com

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Traveling might not be your first priority for the new year, especially if you left town this holiday season. But 2009 could be a great time for deals on travel.

Gas prices are at 4-year lows, hotels are offering cheaper prices and the dollar has been gaining strength against foreign currencies.

"There are going to be some values out there,” said Tom Edgerton of Edgerton’s Travel Service.

Even though gas prices have dropped, the values in 2009 likely won’t cover airfare.

"The airlines have negotiated contracts for oil when the price were much higher and they're gonna be locked into those for a while," said Edgerton.

But there should be good deals on hotels.

“There are hotels that are suffering a little bit this year and you will find some bargains,” Edgerton said.

And if you’ve always wanted to travel to Europe? A strong American dollar means cheaper prices across the Atlantic.

"The costs on the ground over there for hotels and meals and everything, I think could be twenty, maybe even twenty five percent better than they have been over the last couple of years,” said Edgerton.

Some general travel advice: The worst days to fly are Monday and Friday; the best are Tuesday through Thursday.

Also, plan your trip before taking vacation time. That way you can take advantage of the best deals when they come along, Edgerton said.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Julie on Jan 4, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Gas is reasonable now so we'll do day or over night trips giving our cash back to the local economy or neighboring communities at least.

Posted by: worker Location: indiana on Jan 2, 2009 at 11:29 PM
We can't afford gas even though it is down some. Now the politicos want to add 10 cent additional tax to burden us even more.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Interesting! I could not afford vacations before gas prices were highway robbery. I was able to pay bills, buy food, drive back & forth to work, and that was it. After gas prices went up, so did everything else. Then I could not afford to pay some bills and buy no food at all. Gas prices have dropped, but nothing else has, so there is still no money for food and some bills. I am fairly certain many other people are in the same boat. I certainly wish them all the luck in the world, and the rest of us that need it!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:15 PM
we are just going to take weekend trips and go camping at potato creek


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